Mauled Mirfield puppy back home after horror attack

Jun 25 2009 By Nick Lavigueur

“Air was leaking out of her chest lining so she couldn’t breathe.

“We had to re-align the ribs so she would be able to breathe properly.

“There was also extensive bruising.

“She’s recovered remarkably well, probably because she’s such a young puppy.

“She’s walking fine now and should make a full recovery.”

Mrs Pinardi said it was fantastic to get Honey back home but described the injuries as “shocking”.

She said: “My son’s just seen her for the first time and he’s very upset.

“The other two dogs are thrilled to bits to see her but it’s clear she remembers what happened.

“As she started walking she panicked and started crying and wanted to come back to us straight away.

“You can see she’s very sore.”

Leanne Plumtree, from the RSPCA, said it was unlikely they would be able to prosecute the owner of the Akita as it had been on a lead, which would be deemed as ‘reasonable control’.

She said: “The RSPCA is very sorry to hear about what happened to Honey.

“All owners have a legal responsibility to control their dogs.

“If an owner encouraged their dog to attack another, or allowed it to through lack of reasonable control, they could be committing offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and/or Animal Welfare Act 2006 and could face prosecution.”